'Who' and 'Whom' and When to Use Them

Who is a subject pronoun. Whom is an object pronoun. However, whom is not often used anymore, especially in casual or informal speech or writing. It is occasionally used in very formal speech or writing, or in set idiomatic phrases such as "To Whom It May Concern." In ordinary speech and writing whom can seem unnatural. Below are some examples of how who and whom are used.

As a subject pronoun:

• Who will be at the party?
• I didn’t know who to call when my car broke down.
• Who knows when they'll return?
• Who is that at the door?

As an object pronoun:

• He only tells those to whom he is closest. = He only tells those whom/who he is closest to.
• The bookstore was having an event for an author whom/who I was excited to meet.
• To whom did you speak when you called? = Whom/who did you speak to when you called?

In very formal speech or writing, you can use whom in object position, and it may even be recommended by some teachers. However, know that in casual or ordinary speech and writing, who is fine as a subject or an object.

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